Fleeing her fire and war-torn homeland, Joana travels to the New World in search of gold to rebuild her life. Along the way she meets friends, foes, and an unlikely companion who may turn into her good luck charm. But the men in this New World are greedy and bloodthirsty for gold and along with a fearsome beast that’s lurking in the shadows, Joana has a lot to look out for if she wants to return home.

The themes of this graphic novel are of nature and protecting and living among/with it, human violence and what colonization has done to the plant.

The art of this is beautiful and interesting. I first saw this book as an ARC, so it was in black and white, and even then I knew I needed to read it in full color. Also, I’m a sucker for three legged animals and Peg had my heart within seconds, so I knew I needed to know her adventure.

I can see myself recommending this ecofeminist graphic novel to quite a few people.

*Thank you Fantagraphics and Edelweiss+ for an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ( )

I'm not entirely sure what to make of this -- on the one hand -- it's beautiful. Really breathtaking art that spans the nostalgia of a land remembered and the beauty of a land unknown. It glories in the skies and the earth and the wonder of the natural world and the strength of women in caring for that world. As a story it is also powerful, tapping into the push and pull of trying to prove yourself, to survive, to offer kindness, to trust, and knowing that our existence is destructive. I also appreciate so much that the women characters are depicted as so much more than a pretty face -- they are strong and tough and resourceful and resilient. They are also sensual, purposeful and fierce. And while they are abused and degraded and disfigured, it doesn't slow them them down.

On the other hand, I have a hard time with the anti-male message. It's too broad for me, even while I agree with it on some level, and I think many women have reasons to never trust men -- it's hard to accept a complete rejection of all men. It's also a little confusing, because there are clearly good male characters as well, but the message is quite uncompromising. It has that overly simplistic but profound fairy-tale storytelling that causes me to question everything.

Overall, I think the eco-sympathetic message is awesome, and I appreciate that the women apply it to themselves as well. I think there is a great deal of commentary in the exploitation of Tala and Opa as Native women. I am troubled both by how they are treated (horrifying and accurate) and by their somewhat stereotyped characterization. I mean, in a lot of ways all of the characters are stereotypes acting out a fable, but I hope the author engaged some Indigenous advisors when writing the book.

Advanced readers copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )